Canadian judge gives UK &Irish breeders pat on back

YOUNG cattle breeders in the UK and Ireland have made great progress in the last five years. That was the verdict of Court Carmichael, the Canadian judge who officiated at the 12th National Calf Show organised by the Holstein Friesian Societys Young Members Association.

More than 100 calves and 200 competitors from the associations 26 clubs, plus many supporters, were at the National Agricultural Centre, Warks for the event.

Lancashire & Adjacent Counties Club won the Philip Gilbert "Top Team" award for the most consistent performance throughout the show. This success followed a double in the stockjudging competition with Anthony Marsh (24) winning the senior section and David Wright (14) taking the junior honours. For Anthony, this means a trip to Canada and for David a free visit to the 1999 YMA weekend rally.

Wyn Jones is also going to Canada having won a Semex UK sponsored trip to represent the UK in the prestigious Presidents Cup competition for junior showmen at the Royal Winter Fair. South Wales Club member Wyn was the champion showman just pipping at the post James Tomlinson of the Lancashire & Adjacent Counties Club.

The champion calf and winner of the senior calf class was M A & R A Bowns Richaven Astre Squaw ET, shown by the West Midlands Club and led by Clare Reynolds (19). Reserve champion was the Scottish clubs first prize winner in the intermediate class, W W Neilsons Overside Charles Emerald, led by Mhari Jack (16).

Congratulations from (l to r) 12th National YMA Calf Show judge Court Carmichael and HFS president Cynthia Hall for champion showman Wyn Jones whose trophy is held by Rodger Mathers of Semex UK.

Still servicable today, this cedar wood snake rail fence was made by an early settler in Ontario, Canada. The zigzag construction allowed it to stand freely without the need to dig holes for posts and it could be taken down and moved as more land was cleared.

Norfolk members with the best presented stand awards, with (left) Gerald Carter of Showtime, the class sponsor, and John Edge of HFS.